Get on the Tiico list and read a bit, take a look at
http://www.bostig.com/ or put a Subaru in (there is a at least one
company selling turn key subie kits http://www.vanaru.com/  and the
subaruvanagon list).
You don't say how many miles are on your van... If you do think you
need a new engine give Boston Bob a call.

Rob
becida@comcast.net

With a '91 Subaru 2.2 in an '87 Vanagon in western Washington.

At  1/20/2007 10:17 AM, Jamie Auch wrote:
>I have owned my '89 automatic Westy for about two months now and I
>just lost compression on #4 (it's down to 50 lb).  I have fallen
>in love with camping in it and want to make it as reliable as I possibly can.
>
>Here are my options:
>1)  Replace the heads but bottom end is unknown (ran like a top
>before losing compression).
>2) I have a 1.9 TD that was to go into my '82 Diesel, but I am
>concerned with the gearing. (the torque and hp are similar to the WB
>3) Get a Boston Bob rebuild.  The way I look at it why not get an
>engine redone totally.  (this is not to be a Boston Bob Bash, I
>have read all the posts in different forums and list serves).
>4) Do a Tiico conversion.
>
> From the list experience what do you think of these options?
>
>Thanks,
>Jamie Auch
>The Kooky Math Teacher
>"missing my westy"